MPD: Firework safety

From: "Santiago, Marco (MPD)" <MARCO.SANTIAGO@DC.GOV>

Date: July 1, 2013, 1:50:01 PM EDT

To: <MPD-3d@yahoogroups.com>

Subject: [MPD-3d] Firework Safety

Reply-To: MPD-3d@yahoogroups.com

               

Greetings,

With the Fourth of July coming up, MPD is presenting information on what is and is not allowed to lit, burned, or popped within the city limits of The District.

Fireworks Safety

Whether you're celebrating Independence Day or the New Year, a backyard barbecue or other family occasion, it is important to understand the laws regulating fireworks use in the District of Columbia . Use the chart below to become familiar with the fireworks that are permitted and prohibited in DC.

Prohibited

Article 27, DC Register, F-2700.1.1: The manufacture, storage, display, sale, setting off, or discharge of any firework listed below is prohibited in the District of Columbia .

• Firecrackers of any kind or description
• Any firework that explodes, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, artillery shells
• Any firework intended to move after the piece is placed and fired; such as bottle rockets, parachutes, buzzbombs, pinwheels, helicopters, jumping jacks
• Sparklers more than 20 inches (50mm) in length
• Any firework that contains mercury, arsenic, tetryl, phosporous, sulphocyanide, magnesium, potassium picrate, gallic acid, chlorate of potash and sugar, or any highly oxidizing agent
• Any firework having a side fuse, or a fuse inserted at any point along the length of the firework
• Any firework found by the code official to be dangerous to the safety of persons or property
   

Permitted 

Article 27, District of Columbia Register, F-2700.1.2): The fireworks listed below are permitted to be stored, displayed, sold, delivered, used, and possessed in accordance with the provisions of this article.

• Any firework specifically excepted in this article
• Toy paper caps containing not more than twenty-five hundredths (0.25) of a grain of explosive composition per cap
• Sparklers not more than 20 inches (50mm) in length
• Torches, cones
• Box fires, fountains
• Dip-sticks, non-poisonous snakes
• Paper novelty items, colored lights

Download the Brochure

• Fireworks: Some Facts and Safety Tips [PDF]

Links to Fireworks Safety Information and Organizations

• Fireworks Safety Tips from DC Fire and Emergency Services
• National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission